Figure 2. 0001805 decoder with NMRA plug.
1
orange
black
INSTALLATION
It is quite a challenge to install a decoder into a loco. You should have some
basic electrical knowledge and soldering skills. If you do not have the above
requirements, please ask the dealer for help in installation.
Figure 1 shows the electrical circuit of most standard locos. The terminals of the
motor and light(s) are directly connected to the wheel pickup. Each type of loco
has its own method of electrical pickup and distribution. The connection between
the wheels, motor and light(s) could be wires, clips, the body or chassis, PC
board or any other type of conductor. First, figure out your loco’s electrical
wiring and how to disconnect (isolate) the motor and light(s).
Figure 1. Connection of standard locomotive.
Note: The ‘X’ marks indicate
where to disconnect (isolate).
The decoder will be inserted between the wheel pickup and the motor.
Each manufacturer and loco may have different ways of decoder
installation. There is no standard rule for installing decoders. It is
always better to consult the loco manufacturer on how to install a
decoder in that particular loco.
The decoder has a NMRA 8 pin plug and 9 pin JST connector for easy installation
into DCC ready locomotives.If the locomotive is not DCC ready, follow figure 1 as
how to isolate the locomotives electrical circuits. After disconnecting the motor
terminals from the pickup, connect the red wire to the right side pickup and the
black wire to the left side pickup. Connect the orange wire to the motor terminal
that was originally connected to the right pickup. Connect the gray wire to the
motor’s other terminal. Connect the front light to the blue wire and the white wire.
Connect the rear light to the blue wire and the yellow wire.
The blue wire is the common terminal for lights and accessory functions. You
may use the black wire or the red wire to replace the blue wire. This is useful if
isolating one of the light terminals from the pickup is difficult. Wiring the bulb this
way will make the light dimmer. If your loco has only a front light, you should
connect the white and the yellow wires together. If your locomotive has a NMRA
8 pin receptacle, remove the dummy plug. Match first pin and plug in the decoder.
MAKING A TEST TRACK
Before you begin decoder installation, we strongly recommend building a test
track with a 27 ohm resistor to limit current. Only test your installed decoder on
the test track. The test track may prevent damage from an incorrectly installed
decoder.
The program track is NOT a test track. Please use the following diagram to make
a test track, and test the installation prior to programming or running the loco.
TESTING
All MRC decoders have been factory programmed with address #3, 28/128
speed steps and maximum top voltage.
Never run the installed decoder on
your layout without first successfully running on test track.
Otherwise,
you may damage the decoder if it is not wired correctly or if you have not
properly isolated the motor and lights.
To test, place the loco on the test track. Select the “Run” mode of your DCC
system and select or acquire address #3. Move up the throttle and the loco
should move forward. Push the light button [F0] and the front headlight should
come on. Change the direction of the loco and the loco should change direction
and the rear headlight (if equipped) should come on. The loco cannot reach full
speed, due to the resistor. If all above occurs, you passed the test. Congratula-
tions!
Do not run the loco for an extended period of time on the test track
or the resistor will overheat.
If your installed decoder does not pass the test, find the problem, correct it and
test it again. As long as you test the decoder on the test track there is little chance
of damaging the decoder. That is why the test track is so important. Also do not
confuse a test track with a program track. A program track does not use the
current limiting resistor. Sound decoders need full power to the program track.
OPERATION
The decoder has two types of diesel rumble. You can use F12 to select
different diesel rumbles, plus “off”. The decoder has start up and shut down
feature. Press any function key to start up the engine before operating the
loco. To shut down the engine you must bring the loco to idle and then press
F8 three times. If the loco is previously shut down you have to start up the
engine. You can use F19 to select 34 different horn sounds and use F18 to
select different 8 bell sounds. If you don’t have MRC Prodigy Advance DCC you
have to use CV programmming to select these features.
The decoder is default to automatic notch. You can program CV122 to 3 for
manual notching of the loco for realistic operation. You can then use F9 to notch
up and use F8 to notch down.
There are many more program features available with this decoder. Please refer
to the CV Chart to explore other features of the decoder. If you don’t use MRC
Prodigy
2
you may not be able to access all the features of the decoder.
LIGHT EFFECT PROGRAMMING CHART FOR CV#118/119
Program CV117 to choose 3 different modes of headlight effects (0=normal
directional, 1=off/dim/bright cycle, 2=rule 17). Both ACC1 and ACC2 has 7
different accessory lights effects. Program CV #118/119 to choose the desired
light effect. CV118 for ACC1 and CV119 for ACC2. For ditch light both CV118 and
CV119 must be 0. In ditch light mode, use F3 to turn on/off and use F28 to enable/
disable flash. When you blow the horn the ditch lights will flash. The ditch lights
will remain flashing for several seconds after horn is off.
green wire
pink wire
Right side pickup
Front
light
Motor
Rear
light
Left side pickup
X X
X
X
X
X
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
CV118/119 value
ACC#1/ACC#2 (gre en/pink ) Light e ffect
0
Ditch light
1
Gyra light
2
Marslight
3
Prime strato light
4
Single strobe light
5
Double strobe light
6
On/off
Function
Idle/Moving
F0
Headlight on/off or rule 17 or cycle of dim, bright, off
F1
Bell on/off
F2
Horn
F3
Air release/ Accy light 1 on/off (see CV118)
F4
Coupling 1
F5
Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6
Dynamic brake on/off
F7
Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8
Click 3 times during idle will shut down / notch down while CV122=3
F9
Engine cooling fan / notch up while CV122=3
F10
Rail wheel clack (only moving)
F11
Associated loco sound
F12
Change prime diesel mover (2 type2 plus diesel off)
F13
Air release / Accy light 2 on/off (see CV119)
F14
Coupling 2
F15
Air pump
F16
Associated loco sound
F17
flange noise 1
F18
Change bell type (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F19
Horn type select (total 34 different horns)
F20
Associated loco sound
F21
Change bell volume (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F22
Change horn volume
F23
Change diesel rumble volume
F24
Air release
F25
flange noise 2
F26
Safety valve pop
F27
sand drop
F28
Ditch lights flash enable/disable with Air release